Where The Game Takes Over

Sebastian Ramirez, USA

My name is Sebastian Ramirez. I was born in Pereira, Colombia but I was raised in Brooklyn, New York. I still live in Brooklyn - Brighton Beach to be exact, the last stop on the B train. I play football with my old teammates, childhood friends, friends I have made on the internet, friends of my friends, and my family. I play at least once a week but if I can play more I try to.

What has your football journey been like up until now?

I have been involved in football since I could stand on my own two feet. My father and grandfather put the ball in front of me for as long as I can remember. Growing up football was my main and perhaps only activity, it took up my life and I loved it, everything revolved around it. In my youth I played competitively, doing everything I could to go the distance. But that was not on the cards for me. Once I graduated college, injuries introduced me to playing recreationally, in co-ed leagues, and picking up the camera to find a new take on the game. Although my journey on the field took a blow, the camera brought me closer to the game than I could have ever imagined. 

I am currently a freelance photographer, specializing in futbol content. The sport has been around me since childhood, and after college I found myself playing less futbol but still wanting to feel that connection. Photography opened that door for me. It kept me around the game but in a whole new environment. I have been able to step foot on professional pitches, in stadiums, next to the athletes, in the locker rooms, and furthermore work with them off the field too.

What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?

The first set of photos was taken at the MLS NEXT Generation Adidas Cup back in April 2023. There were youth players ranging from the U15-U17 categories from MLS academies, and from countries around the world like Spain, Brazil, Mexico, and England.

I tried to show the high level of competition along with the prestigious clubs in attendance at a youth tournament. It is not a common occurrence to witness academies like Real Madrid and Manchester United in the USA, so it was definitely a moment I wanted to freeze in time.

The second set of photos was taken here in Brooklyn of my local football league on the final match day of our early summer season. It is a unique newly established league in Brooklyn, NY called Rum, Beer, & Football. What makes it different is the selection of the teams. Each season a pool of players sign up and are then drafted by six captains school yard style. So you never really know who is going to be on your team, and each season is a fresh start.

I enjoy the level of the game here. It is a place based on getting quality touches on the ball without worrying about clumsy tackles you have to dodge in other co-ed leagues in the city. Everyone that joins is on the same page and knows that it is not the World Cup and we all have to go to work the next day.

Shooting Sunday League football, I wanted to show the genuine enjoyment of the game, no big prizes, nothing on the line, just fun and good football. That feeling we all know where the game takes over and everything else just leaves our mind.

What is your favorite photo? Why?

My favorite photo is where the Manchester United and Columbus Crew captains are exchanging banners. Seeing these two worlds collide is a rare sight. Manchester United has been one of my favorite clubs since CR7 hit the scene, and Columbus Crew have been one the funnest clubs to photograph during the MLS NEXT tournaments with those vibrant yellow kits.

What does football mean to you? What ambitions do you have for the future?

Football is everything to me. It has molded my life, and given me an everlasting bond with the sport. My current ambition is to find myself pitch side at the 2026 World Cup, photographing the matches.

What is the future for football in the US? What would you like to change? 

The future for football in the US is up. I believe that it is only going to improve in every category. From popularity for the audience to a higher level of play for the athletes. If I could change one thing, it would be the accessibility of both fundamental and higher learning for all kids. The pay to play model is rough and it excludes a lot of kids with parents that may not have the resources to provide these extracurricular privileges to their child.